A year ago
Manchester City and Real Madrid drew 1-1 in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal, thanks to an incredible equalizer from Kevin De Bruyne.
After 67 minutes at the Bernabeu Stadium, the Belgian countered Vinicius Junior's similarly impressive first-half effort by firing past international teammate Thibaut Courtois from the edge of the box.
After a tense 36 minutes, Vinicius scored from 25 yards for holders Real after treble-chasing City had dominated much of the early play.
The outcome leaves the match in a precarious position before the rematch at the Etihad Stadium the following week.
City entered the game hoping to exact revenge for their defeat to Real at the same point of last year's game and was unfazed by their return to the location of their late defeat in that match.
They got out to a great start, controlling possession with their customary assurance and carefully seeking for openings.
When the opportunity presented itself, Courtois was at first in a rebellious mood.
The former Chelsea goalkeeper made a strong save against De Bruyne before deflecting a Rodri shot and turning away Erling Haaland twice.
Early on, Real struggled to leave their own half, but they did give a warning when Vinicius broke and set up Karim Benzema, but the Frenchman was unable to manage.
The hosts took control of the game as the first half went on, so Ederson had to be on guard to stop Benzema from intercepting a pass from Rodrygo.
After Eduardo Camavinga and Luka Modric combined and then put Vinicius through, the hosts quickly took the lead. The Brazilian pounced on the ball quickly and blasted a fierce drive beyond Ederson.
Real started to try their patience, but City didn't panic in response.
Dani Carvajal had been harsh with Jack Grealish from the beginning, and things nearly got out of hand when the Spaniard shoved the City midfielder into the billboards.
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